NEWS

RSU To Bring Fraternity, Sorority to Campus

Rogers
State University has received approval to bring a fraternity and a sorority to
campus starting this fall to expand student life options for its students.

The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents – RSU's governing board – granted
its approval Tuesday for the university to allow fraternities and sororities
(commonly referred to as Greek organizations) to establish chapters at RSU.

"There has been a high demand for bringing Greek organizations to campus from
current students, prospective students and their parents," said RSU President
Dr. Joe Wiley. "Establishing Greek organizations at RSU is another vital key to
enhancing the campus experience and developing additional leadership
opportunities for our students."

Last fall, a student-led university committee explored the possibility of Greek
expansion at RSU. The committee, comprised of students, staff and
administration, recommended that the university allow nationally chartered Greek
organizations to establish chapters at RSU. Five national Greek organizations
were then invited to campus during the spring semester to meet with interested
students.

Based on the committee's recommendation and the regents' approval, RSU plans to
formally invite the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority
to establish chapters on campus, said Dr. Michael Turner, RSU dean of student
affairs.

These organizations were selected because they were nationally chartered
organizations with good reputations and a strong presence in Oklahoma and
surrounding states, which is crucial to the successful start-up of a local
chapter at RSU, Turner said.

Within the first few weeks after classes begin this fall, fraternity and
sorority representatives will begin meeting with RSU students to recruit members
and start the colonization process.

"Our students have consistently said that adding Greek organizations to RSU's
mix of student organizations will help complement an active student body and
enhance campus life," Turner said.

Greek organizations stress the importance of active participation and leadership
both on campus and within the community, he said.

RSU does not plan to establish separate Greek housing due to cost and liability
issues. Future plans could include providing group housing for the Greek
organizations within the university's on-campus apartment community.

For more information about RSU student life, call the Office of Student Affairs
at (918) 343-7579.